Tour Details

You’re restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.

Discounts

Children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

Students, and seniors over 60

Important information

Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes

After booking your tour, we'll contact you about your train journey

This tour combines two of our trips and a free day in Edinburgh. This means you swap your bus and guide during the journey.

Accommodation in Edinburgh sells out fast. But don't worry; when you book your tour, you can ask us to reserve everything for you

Tour inclusions

Transportation by a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach

Air conditioning as standard

The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

A one-way train ticket from London to Penrith

Edinburgh City Tour

Tour exclusions

Tour accommodation

Entry fees to visitor attractions

Itinerary

Day 1

Take as many photographs as you can at ‘England’s most beautiful lake’, Ullswater

Relax in the market town of Keswick

You collect your train ticket at the London Euston Station and head north to the historic Cumbrian market town of Penrith. The town’s uniquely coloured castle played a key role in defending the border from its invading Scottish neighbours.

After arriving in Penrith and meeting your Rabbie’s Guide, you enter the Lake District National Park and travel along the northern shores of Ullswater. This lake is often described as England’s most beautiful lake, and it’s here we give you the chance to take a forest walk and see the mighty Aira Force waterfall.

You then travel towards Keswick, stopping outside the town to visit the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, thought to have been built over 5,000 years ago and a hub of ancient pagan rituals.

You have a short journey into the lively market town of Keswick* where you’re dropped off at your accommodation and free to explore the charming town.

* Please note all tours that depart on the 16th, 23rd and 30th July will stay in Bowness-on-Windermere instead of Keswick.

Day 2

Stare in wonder at the views on an optional boat trip, Lake Windermere

Wander around the cosy village of Hawkshead

After breakfast, you take in views of Ullswater as we head along country roads to its southern shores.

You continue further south and travel over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass towards the wonderful Windermere. Here you have the option to take a leisurely cruise on the Lake or eat lunch while enjoying sublime views of the surrounding scenery.

After lunch, you travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards Coniston Water. Your next stop is the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School.

After exploring the cosy village, you take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”.

There's free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy.

In the late afternoon, you return to Keswick.

* Please note all tours that depart on the 16th, 23rd and 30th July will stay in Bowness-on-Windermere instead of Keswick.

Day 3

Set your sights on sweeping views from atop the Whinlatter Pass

Learn about the slate mines at the Honister Mountain Pass

We pick you up from your accommodation and head for the Whinlatter Forest Park and over the Whinlatter Pass into the most dramatic landscapes the Lake District has to offer.

You journey along winding lanes, past the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere, and towards the Honister Mountain Pass.

Stopping amongst the mountains you have the opportunity to enjoy the views of the old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living.

After refreshments, you continue through the forests of Borrowdale, passing Derwent Water, where there’s free time for lunch and shopping.

Once you’ve eaten lunch, you begin your return journey, heading towards Penrith and north towards the border. After crossing into Scotland you take a stop in the town of Biggar, a royal burgh since 1415.

It’s a leisurely drive through the rolling border hills to Edinburgh where you overnight.

We think you should start with our included Edinburgh City Tour to familiarise yourself with the history, geography, and laugh-out-loud tales of the city.

And after that, what you do is up to you; You can venture deep under the city on ghost tours, hike to the lofty heights of Arthur’s Seat, or even just relax in the many beautiful gardens.

Just ensure you relax and prepare for your next part of your adventure.

Day 5

Admire the sweeping views and grand architecture of Culzean Castle

Learn about the life of Robert Burns, Scotland’s most famous poet

Today you join a new bus for the continuation of your tour to Arran. With your new companions, you travel past Glasgow and the Whitelee Wind Farm, Europe’s largest wind farm.

You then leave the modern landscapes and travel into Ayrshire to visit Culzean Castle. Here you have time to enjoy its dramatic cliff-top setting, beautiful architecture, and elegant living spaces. You can also have lunch in the cafe or take a picnic in the beautiful castle grounds.

Travelling towards Robert Burns’ birthplace, you discover the places from his poems and songs. You stop at the visitor centre in Alloway, where you can find out more about this remarkable man.

You continue to Ardrossan where you catch the ferry to the Isle of Arran. You’re dropped off at your accommodation in Brodick.

Day 6

Discover everything everyone loves about Scotland in Arran, the famous ‘Scotland in Miniature’

Taste the local delicacies and soak up the flavours of Arran

Arran is alive with wildlife, mountains, beaches, pubs, and restaurants. Depending on the weather and your group's interest; your driver-guide will arrange the best day out for you.

You may explore the mountainous north of the island, some of Arran’s best beaches, Lochranza Castle, and the Arran Distillery.

Arran is also home to many stone circles dating from the Neolithic period and the early Bronze Age. You visit Machrie Moor and its six stone circles; and after exploring this area you travel south through the harbour villages of Blackwaterfoot.

Travelling back to Brodick you see The Holy Isle across the water, owned by the Samye Ling Buddhist Community.

You may make a stop at the Arran Cheese Shop, a family-owned business that’s now famous all over the world.

At Brodick, we find Brodick Castle, and situated in the shadow of this imposing red sandstone castle is Arran Brewery. This microbrewery blends naturally with its stunning surroundings, combining the island’s unique water with the finest local ingredients. You can sample this ale in many of the local pubs and restaurants; a perfect way to round off your day!

Day 7

Discover the rugged beauty of the West Highlands

Learn about the delightful Victorian harbour town of Inveraray

You return to the mainland on the ferry running between Lochranza and Claonaig. This short 30-minute crossing takes you onto the Kintyre Peninsula.

You travel along the coastal road to the charming fishing village of Tarbert. The village sits on the narrowest strip of land between the two bodies of water, forming a natural harbour.

From Tarbert, you follow Loch Fyne toward the whitewashed village of Inveraray, where you have free time to explore and have lunch.

You continue over the ‘Rest and be Thankful’ mountain pass.

From here, it’s a short drive to Luss and the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond before returning to Edinburgh.

Once you've booked your tour, let us know if you want us to book this evening's Edinburgh accommodation.

Customer Reviews

Accommodation

What are the overnight locations on this journey?

Our Rail & Trail journeys are a combination of two our tours. You have a break between the trips where you spend free time in Edinburgh.

You stay two nights in Keswick*, two nights in Edinburgh, and two nights in Brodick.

* Please note all tours that depart on the 16th, 23rd and 30th July will stay in Bowness-on-Windermere instead of Keswick.

How does the accommodation work in Edinburgh?

When you book online, there’s no option to select Edinburgh accommodation preferences.

But don’t worry, we’ll contact you once you’ve made your booking and give you an option to book Edinburgh hotel rooms with us. You’re welcome to book the accommodation we suggest or arrange your own Edinburgh overnights.

How does the accommodation work on tour?

When you book online, we’ll ask you for your accommodation preferences and get to work making reservations on your behalf. You’ll pay your accommodation directly to hosts on tour (excluding Edinburgh). Most don’t accept credit cards, so be prepared to pay cash.

What if I want to change my accommodation booking with Rabbie’s?

Plans can change, so we let you alter your accommodation choices for free within the first 48 hours of booking. After this time, amendments aren't guaranteed and carry a surcharge. Please contact rooms@rabbies.com if you have any questions.

I booked my own accommodation is there anything I need to do?

You’ll need to contact us with your accommodation details. Please only reserve accommodation within the overnight towns that your tour stops in. Your driver will drop you off at your chosen accommodation as long as it’s relatively central (excluding Edinburgh).

What if I cancel my tour at short notice?

You may be liable for the cost of your first nights’ accommodation for each separate accommodation booked. If you cancel less than three days before departure, you may be liable for all your accommodation costs.

What are the accommodation types?

The prices below are for guidance only and exclude Edinburgh accommodation.

We try to reserve accommodation that’s no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation suppliers to ensure they reach a certain standard.

B&B (Bed and Breakfast) Standard

The toilet and showering facilities are shared with at least one other room in the house, and the price includes breakfast. The cost is £35 - £40 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single standard room is £40 - £60 per night.

B&B En suite

The showering and toilet facilities are private, and breakfast is included in the price. The cost is £45 - £60 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single en suite is £60 - £80 per night.

Hotels

Hotels have a bar or restaurant and provide evening meals. Breakfast is included in the price. The cost is £70 - £85 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single is £85 - £130 per night.

Hostels

A hostel consists of dormitory rooms with 4 to 16 bunk beds. The bathroom facilities are a short distance from the dorm room. Kitchen facilities are equipped so you can make your own meals. The cost based on dorm beds is £19 - £27 per person per night.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, you can read our FAQs, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, or email rooms@rabbies.com.

FAQs

Where does the tour depart from?

Unlike our other London
departures, you depart from London’s Euston Station.
You’re then met by a Rabbie’s driver-guide and tour bus at Penrith Station.

How do I
get to London’s Euston Station?

Depending on where your London
accommodation is located, there are several ways to get the station. You can
easily access the station using the underground network, local buses, or a
taxi.

What time
does the train depart?

The departure time of your train will vary depending on availability and season. We will email you with details of the exact train departure and arrival times prior to your tour. We recommend that you plan to arrive at the train station at least forty minutes before your train departs. This will allow for travel delays should they occur on the way to the station and give you enough time to collect your tickets, locate your platform and purchase refreshments. It’s important for you to arrive early because if you miss your train, you will be responsible for purchasing new tickets for the next departure.

Where do I collect my
tickets?

Simply insert any credit or debit card into a ticket machine within the train station and enter your ‘collection reference’ number. We send you this number shortly after you book your tour.
If you have problems, please go to a ticket window with your booking confirmation and ask for help. Station opening hours can be checked at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/.

Please allow at least 20 minutes for ticket collection at stations.

Do we
have reserved seats?

In most cases, yes you have
pre-assigned and reserved seats. The details of the seating reservation are
provided in the ticket wallet. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate
to ask any of the station staff for help.

If you booked your ticket within
one week of departure, you may not have a seating reservation. If this is the
case, you can choose from any of the unreserved seats on the train.

Can I buy
food and drink on the train?

Yes, you can. Each train has a
café on board which provides a limited selection of hot and cold drinks as well
as snacks and light meals. If you require anything in particular, we recommend
you pick up what you need from one of the various food and beverage outlets at
Euston Station.

Which
platform does the train leave from?

The platform changes every day. You will be disembarking the train at Penrith Station but the name of your train service on the electronic departure boards will be for Glasgow Central. Please watch these boards to find out your platform number. The correct departure time will be printed on your ticket, and correspond to the time on the departure board. The platform will be announced about 15 – 20mins before departure. The departure gates close five minutes before the train leaves, so please make your way to the train once you’ve seen which platform the train is departing from.

What
happens if the train is cancelled?

If your train is cancelled,
your ticket is valid on the next departure at
10.30am, however you’ll not have reserved seats. If this happens,
please contact the Rabbie’s customer service team on +44(0)131 226 3133, so we
can advise the guide and ensure they’re there to pick you up at the new time.

How long
is the train trip?

The train takes three hours from
London Euston to Penrith Station.

Where do
we meet the tour bus?

Your Rabbie’s driver-guide meets
you at Penrith Station with other guests who started the tour in Edinburgh.
Penrith Station is small and your guide will be easy to find. Due to traffic
and unforeseen circumstances, the guide may be unable to meet you there
immediately. But don’t worry, they’ll be there as soon as possible.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.